Lisa has a tragic story that has led her to a place of inner thought, questioning what is most important in life, and what are my next steps. She, like so many others, had unexpected life changes that can leave us numb, unsure of what to do next, and feeling gut-punched. Laurie’s story is another example of a life changing event. Here is Lisa’s story:

Can you share your grief experience with our audience, as much as you are comfortable with?

My son and his family were on vacation visiting us, on the morning of July 15th we were supposed to go on a train ride in chattanooga.., but I had just had hip surgery about 2 weeks prior so I opted that morning to stay home. We planned a cookout for when they returned that afternoon… by 4 that afternoon we couldn’t contact them via texting and thought maybe they found something else to do,  about 530 that evening we got a call that no parent should ever get.. there was an accident,  my 3 grandkids were in the emergency room and my son and daughter in law were killed instantly when a semi truck ran a red light and t-boned them. 

How has this tragic event changed your life

We were retired living in Georgia, my husband always wanted to be as self sufficient as possible, we bought a small home and 5 acres and planted 3 gardens and had 15 chickens..living our dream. We are now in the process of selling our home and moving back up north into my son’s home to become “parents” again to our 3 grandchildren,  we are in court proceedings to get custody.  It’s a little overwhelming to think about the life changes that are about to happen

What are your immediate next steps or what steps have you taken to try to reconcile your grief?

When we got the news I completely fell apart, I screamed and cried.. no way this can happen,  please God bring them back,  I even tried bargaining  ” please take me instead,  just bring one of those parents back to these babies” but I didn’t have time to grieve,  we had to leave and go to the hospital,  we spent almost 24 hrs a day for 10 days in the hospital with the kids.. I  prayed, I prayed for strength,  I prayed for peace, I prayed for guidance.  And then I realized I wasn’t angry at God, I thought that was part of the process but I didn’t feel anger at Him… anger at the truck driver but not at God.. I  realized that my faith had kicked into full force… I had faith that God was going to lead me where He wanted me,  I miss my son,  some days I feel like I can’t breathe because the heartache is so intense.  But I’m walking close to God, my relationship with God is so much more now.  I know that my grief will last a long time,  but knowing that I am fulfilling God’s plan gives me a sense of comfort.

How do you see this affecting you long term, and is there any advice or words of wisdom you can give others going through a tragic life event?

I will always miss my son,  I have no doubt that my pain will be raw for a long time, but allowing God to lead me has taken away the fear of what’s next.  Advice would be to talk to people that have also experienced grief. Lots of churches offer a program called Grief Share its worth your time to go and listen.  Also, talk to God. He will be there for you,  He will help you through, and have Faith .. faith that things will get better,  faith that God has a plan for you,  faith that you are where you are supposed to be…